Booker T. Washington head football coach and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward has resigned after four seasons to take on an ambassador role at his alma mater, Florida State University.

Ward, who also played basketball for the New York Knicks for 11 seasons, led FSU to the national championship at quarterback in 1993.

Ward also led the FSU basketball team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight in 1993 and a Sweet 16 in 1992.

The move was first reported Thursday by Noles247.com. Ward told the publication the details were still being worked out. He later confirmed his intentions in a text message to the Tallahassee Democrat.

"I've had some very preliminary discussions with FSU officials about how I might help the university in some official copatcie. Nothing is definite at this time," Ward said to the Democrate.

He grew up 30 miles from Tallahassee in Thomasville, Georgia, where he played under his father, Charlie Ward, Sr., at Thomas County Central High in both football and basketball. He also played baseball at the school and was good enough to be drafted out of high school.

“I think he’s the perfect guy - the whole spectrum and the character that Florida State wants to present," said former FSU receiver Kez McCorvey, who resides in Tallahassee and spoke with the Democrat.

"They can’t go wrong utilizing the qualities that he stands for. He’s a guy with great character," said McCorvey, who was the Seminoles leading receiver with Ward at quarterback during the Seminoles' 1993 national title season. "The things you want to represent as a family, as a person; people love to see him and be around him. I think it will be awesome.”

Ward went 10-30 in four seasons at Washington, including a 3-7 record in 2017. His best season was his first in 2014, when the Wildcats finished 4-6.

His tenure at Washington brought a connection with the school's most famous football alum, Derrick Brooks, who was part of the Seminoles first national title season with Ward.

He was hired in 2014 from a pool of 49 applicants, which included current Pensacola High head coach Mike Mincy. Ward previously coached at Westbury Christian School in Houston.

Washington defeated Pensacola High 21-14 in 2017, the Wildcats' first win over the rival Tigers since 2006.

The top prospect from Ward's tenure, offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, provided instant production for the Alabama Crimson Tide in his freshman season.

Leatherwood subbed in on the offensive line in the College Football Playoff final against Georgia in January, performing well in Alabama's come-from-behind victory.

Ward's son, Caleb, is currently a senior at Washington High School where he competed on the football team and is one of the area's top long and triple jumpers in track and field.

Ward met with new Florida State head coach Willie Taggart on a recruiting visit to Washington High School in January.

“He’s a man of standard, loves his family, loves his university," said former FSU and NFL defensive lineman Corey Simon. "I couldn’t think of a better person to represent Florida State. Anytime you can get a guy like Charlie involved, it’s only a win for the university.”